8 Must-See Destinations in Arizona

1. Sedona

In time, geological forces cut deep rifts into the Colorado Plateau, forming the insanely interesting landscape Sedona provides today. Imagine desert spires piercing the skies, expansive river canyons painting the landscape, and other-worldly red rock formations dotting the scenery to get a pretty good idea of what Sedona’s landscape offers visitors.

During your visit to Sedona, make sure you test your desert hiking skills by hitting a trail or two. Another must is exploring the town’s cultural goodness by checking out the many museums and centers that offer insight into Sedona’s rich heritage so you can better understand the land you’re walking on!

2. Grand Canyon National Park’s North Rim Section

Visiting the Grand Canyon may sound a little cliché, but if you’re the type of traveler who prefers staying away from the crowds, focusing your time on the lesser-visited North Rim section of the park is a wonderful way to experience the Grand Canyon without having to share it with hoards of visitors.

This part of the canyon offers secluded hikes and viewpoints, giving visitors a much more private (but equally amazing) experience. You can find shorter trails here excellent for smaller legs, including the paved 0.5-mile Bright Angel Point. By vehicle, enjoy the Point Imperial and Cape Royal scenic drive, which only requires short walks to the scenic lookouts.

• Don’t miss our complete family guide to visiting the Grand Canyon – including the difference between the North & South Rim and what to expect at Grand Canyon West, Hualapai Land.

3. Monument Valley

Another fabulous landmark of Arizona perfect for road trippers, this red sand desert region is nestled between Utah and Arizona. Known for its towering sandstone buttes, you will feel like you’ve been dropped straight into the film set of a Western movie.

The 17-mile Valley Drive is one of the country’s most famous scenic drives (paid access). Part of Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park (Olijato-Monument Valley), there’s no rock climbing or hiking off-road without a guide. However, you are invited to admire the towering sandstone masterpieces from afar with a self-guided tour of 11 spectacular vantage points.

• A stop in Monument Valley fits well with our Denver to Grand Canyon itinerary

4. Antelope Canyon

Antelope Canyon is the most photographed slot canyon in the American Southwest, and it’s easy to see how it gained that title as soon as you step foot in it.

As one of the most iconic hikes in Arizona, no trip to the state would be complete without braving this gorgeous trail. Created by floods that crashed onto sandstone cracks in the area, Antelope Canyon is such an impressive sight because of the exquisite swirl of desert hues on its walls formed as a result.

Antelope Canyon is protected by Navajo Parks and Recreation, and only authorized tour companies can take visitors to the canyon. Children are allowed on Upper Antelope Canyon tours, but be aware of the bumpy journey. No strollers or backpack carriers are allowed. Lower Antelope Canyon is undeniably more strenuous and recommended for experienced hikers.

• TOP TIP: www.antelopecanyon.com and www.navajotours.com are known to cater to families with car seat options

5.  The Wave

Sitting right on the spot where Utah and Arizona meet, The Wave is one of the most unique hiking trails in the entire world. With a rainbow of shimmering rusty hues coloring the rocks, the landscape looks, well, exactly like a wave of desert colors!

It is a photographer’s dream, though the 6.4-mile round-trip hike in the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness is not for the fainthearted. Due to the area’s high temperatures, it can get pretty challenging, so make sure you come prepared for the feat. We’d only recommend it for families if your kids are experienced hikers.

• Snagging tickets to hike The Wave isn’t exactly an easy task, so make sure you plan ahead as early as possible!

6. White Pocket

If you didn’t manage to get a ticket to hike The Wave, White Pocket is a wonderful alternative thanks to its similar terrain. Featuring Navajo sandstone that ranges from bright orange, pink, and red hues as well as whacky-looking rock formations, this place provides a landscape that will have you wondering if you were somehow teleported into the heart of Mars!

Surprisingly, White Pocket remains pretty off-the-beaten-path, making it a great spot to see if you want to explore one of Arizona’s best secret gems.

7. Havasupai Falls

Set on sacred Native lands, the Havasupai Falls are utterly spectacular, and no trip to Arizona is complete without visiting this gem of a place.

Set on the Havasu Canyon, Havasupai consists of five separate waterfalls: Mooney Falls, Beaver Falls, Havasu Falls, New Navajo Falls, and Fifty Foot Falls, each one equally stunning as the last. When visiting, remember that the Havasupai Tribe guards the grounds, so it’s imperative to remain respectful of their land and, if possible, take time ahead of your visit to learn about their culture. Campground reservations are essential.

• The only way to get to Havaupai Falls is by reservation. These go on sale for the year at 8 AM on 1 February; maximum 4 per person and they all tend to be snapped up within hours. Make sure you are prepared and have your account registered and ready at havasupaireservations.com 

8. Petrified Forest National Park

225 million years ago, tree logs were brought into the area by the heavy floods that took place during that time. Not too long after, a ton of volcanoes began erupting in the area, and the trees were buried under silica-rich ash. As time passed, water crystallized the ash, transforming it into quartz and making the logs look colorful and sparkly!

Millions of years passed, and the logs were exposed again, making the landscape in the Painted Desert section of Petrified Forest look like an insane rainbow of colors (hence the name).

If you want to explore this natural wonder, you can drive the park’s scenic road. However, hiking trails are also available if you’d like to examine the logs closely. Seriously, hiking in the Painted Desert is guaranteed to make you feel like you’re walking in a different galaxy!

We hope this list of some of the best places to visit in Arizona has given you the inspiration needed to craft the perfect Southwest itinerary. Even though the state has much more to offer, these places are the ideal starting points for exploring Arizona’s desert magic!

More Road Trip Planning Advice for the Southwest

Before you head out on a family road trip of America’s Southwest, you may also want to read:

• Ultimate Arizona-Utah Road Trip
• 7 Day Southwest Highlights Road Trip
• Scenic Driving Itinerary from Sedona to Grand Canyon
• Fabulous Family Day Trips From Phoenix
• Interesting Places to Stop on the Drive From Phoenix to San Diego

© Family Road Trip 2026

The post 8 Bucket list-worthy Destinations For Your Arizona Road Trip appeared first on Family Road Trip.

Casinos and nightlife may be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Las Vegas, but what makes the city so special is that it’s surrounded by an unrivaled array of wonderful destinations perfect for a day spent outdoors.

Thanks to its location close to the borders of California, Utah, and Arizona, Las Vegas is a perfect starting point for exploring not only some of the best places in Nevada but also those of its neighboring states.

If you’re planning a family trip to Las Vegas and looking for ways to escape the bustle and hustle of Sin City, here are some of the most wonderful and breathtaking day trips to take!

10 Incredible Day Trips From Las Vegas

1. Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area, Nevada

Distance from Las Vegas: 16 miles ~ via US95 (20 minutes)

Even though Red Rock Canyon is located less than thirty minutes away from Las Vegas, it still remains a bit of a secret in the Nevada parks system.

Hiking and scenic driving are the ultimate ways to explore Red Rock Canyon. A must-do hike if you don’t mind the heat is the Ice Box Canyon Trail, which will have you walking amidst a mesmerizing red rock canyon while gawking at seasonal waterfalls.

If you’d rather not break a sweat, though, you can also explore the park from the comfort of your car by driving the Red Rock Canyon Drive, a 13-mile scenic loop that offers ample vistas of the canyon system as well as the park’s main highlights!

State Park Entry Fee: $15 per vehicle or Nevada State Parks Annual Pass & America the Beautiful Annual Pass accepted

TOP TIP: due to increasing popularity there may be a timed entry needed for the scenic loop during the peak season (October to May) – check the online reservation system here.

2. Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, Nevada

Distance from Las Vegas: 40 miles ~ via US-95 & NV157 (45 minutes)

Best known to locals as Mount Charleston, Springs Mountains is set less than an hour away from downtown Las Vegas and provides a wonderful opportunity to experience a contrast of entirely opposite landscapes: snow-dusted mountain peaks amid an expensive desert.

The area is home to over 316,000 acres of nature, which pretty much means you’ll have a hard time getting bored here. Hiking is king at Spring Mountains, with over 60 miles of trails available, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging feats that reach heights of over 11,000 feet!

Other activities include camping, mountain biking, horseback riding, rock climbing, and backpacking during the warmer months. Come winter, the entire area becomes a mecca for snow fun, with activities like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowboarding being favorites for visitors!

3. Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada

Distance from Las Vegas: 46 miles ~ via I-15 (50 minutes)

Taking you into a wonderland of red rock Aztec sandstone, ancient petroglyphs, petrified logs, and scenery that comes in all shades of oranges, reds, and pinks, a visit to Valley of Fire State Park will make you feel as though you’ve been transported right into the heart of Mars.

Hiking is the best way to fully get to know the park. Considering its somewhat gentle terrain, it makes for a perfect spot to get a taste of what hiking in the desert is like. Two great hikes to cover as many highlights as possible include the Fire of Wave and Rainbow Vista trails, both of which provide some of the most mesmerizing views in the entire park.

Scenic driving is another wonderful way to explore Valley of Fire, especially if you want to cover as much ground as possible in a few hours. The Mouse’s Tank Road is a 5.7-mile road that cuts right through the park and provides access to the most photogenic viewpoints in the park, including narrow canyons, colorful rocks, and petroglyphs galore.

State Park Entry Fee: $15 per vehicle or Nevada State Parks Annual Pass & America the Beautiful Annual Pass accepted

Top Tip: If you are wanting to camp overnight in the Valley of Fire, reservations for the following year open the first Wednesday in November

4.​ Grand Canyon West

Distance from Las Vegas: 125 miles ~ via US-93 (2 hours 30 minutes)

Visiting Grand Canyon West from Las Vegas offers a fantastic day trip for those wanting to experience one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders. Located just about a 2.5-hour drive from the city, Grand Canyon West is home to the famous Skywalk, a glass bridge that extends over the canyon, providing breathtaking views 4,000 feet above the Colorado River.

The Hualapai Tribe manages the area, and in addition to the Skywalk, visitors can enjoy panoramic views at Eagle Point and Guano Point. It’s a great way to see the canyon without the longer trek to the national park’s South Rim.

• Unsure whether to take the shorter day trip journey to Grand Canyon West or drive the extra distance to the south entrance of Grand Canyon National Park? We weigh up the pros and cons of a Grand Canyon Day Trip from Vegas.

5. Snow Canyon State Park, Utah

Distance from Las Vegas: 124 miles ~ via I-15 (2 hours)

Located right where the Mojave Desert, the Colorado Plateau, and Great Basin meet, Snow Canyon State Park is a blend of entirely different ecosystems that, put together, create a fascinating geological terrain. Made up of Navajo sandstone cliffs, expansive lava fields, and petrified sand dunes, it’s the perfect spot perfect for unique outdoor adventures.

During your visit to Greater Zion, popular activities include hiking through the main canyon (trails are pretty flat, making it ideal for kids and first-timers), rock climbing, driving or biking the park’s scenic road, and climbing sand dunes, and wildlife viewing.

Moreover, the park is also connected to the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, which homes a vast array of endangered species!

State Park Entrance Fees: $10 per vehicle for day use, an annual Snow Canyon pass is $30, or Utah Annual State Park pass $100

6. Death Valley National Park, California & Nevada

Distance from Las Vegas: 130 miles ~ via NV-160 (2 hours 20 minutes)

Don’t let its name fool you: Death Valley National Park is actually one of the liveliest of places in the entire planet!

Death Valley straddles the borders of California and Nevada, and if you’re willing to start the day early, it makes for a perfect day trip from Las Vegas. Home to serpentine canyons, otherworldly-looking rock formations, twisting sand dunes, and kaleidoscopic mountains splashed in every color of the rainbow, the landscape here is so varied and vibrant that you could easily confuse it for an entirely different planet.

The hottest, driest, and lowest National Park in the United States (and the largest in the lower 48), the list of things to do in Death Valley is pretty much endless.

If you only have a day, a few must-do activities while visiting include standing on Badwater Basin (the lowest point in the United States), gliding down golden sand dunes, hiking on hills of borax, and gawking at colorful mountains by driving the scenic Artist’s Drive, one of the most scenic drives in California.

National Park Entrance Fee: $30 per vehicle for 7 days, or use your annual America the Beautiful pass. A Death Valley Annual pass is $55

Top Tip: Even for a day trip to Death Valley, come prepared; check your weather forecast for extremes, pack plenty of water for everyone and snacks, sunscreen, layered clothing and sturdy footwear. This is a BIG day out from Vegas!

• Tips and top stopping points continuing your journey from Death Valley to Yosemite

7. Mojave National Preserve, California

Distance from Las Vegas: 143 miles ~ via US-95 (2 hours and 30 minutes)

Petrified lava blanketed the ground, twisting sand dunes, ancient volcanoes, and Joshua Trees sprinkled all over. That’s a day at Mojave National Preserve in a nutshell.

Despite its short distance from Las Vegas, this gem of a place still remains pretty off-the-beaten-track, making it an ideal day trip from the Strip if a day spent exploring the desert on your own sounds like your type of adventure.

Even though there are plenty of activities on offer at Mojave, an activity you absolutely can’t miss out on doing is hiking up the Kelso Sand Dunes, which rise up over 650 feet from the ground and are famed for the whistling sound they create when walked on.

Another must-do is seeing the largest Joshua Tree forest in the world, which you’ll find by hiking the Teutonia Peak Trail!

Top Tip: Despite its National Preserve status, there’s no day pass or entrance fee required, making it one of the cheapest day trips from Las Vegas.

8. Joshua Tree National Park, California

Distance from Las Vegas: 187 miles ~ via I-15 (3 hours)

Located right where the Colorado and Mojave deserts meet, Joshua Tree is a blend of two entirely different ecosystems that, when put together, create a striking landscape that looks as though it belongs on an entirely different planet.

Joshua Tree is humongous, which means you likely need a few days to be able to fully explore it. If you’re willing to start the day early, though, you can definitely cover a ton of ground in order to experience its main highlights in just a day.

On the menu for a day exploring the park’s desert magic are miles of hikeable trails, horseback riding, rock climbing, and biking. If you have enough time, try staying past sunset in order to experience the park’s amazing night sky (it’s considered one of the best spots in the USA for star gazing!)

National Park Entrance Fee: $30 per vehicle, valid for 7 days. A Joshua Tree Annual Pass is $55 or use your America the Beautiful Annual Pass.

9. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

Distance from Las Vegas: 260 miles ~ via I-15 (4 hours)

Bryce Canyon is located four hours away from Las Vegas, which may sound like a bit of a stretch for a day trip. Still, if you’re willing to wake up early, a day trip from Vegas is very much doable thanks to the park’s tiny size!

Striking red rock hoodoos are the main thing to see at Bryce Canyon, and there’s no better way to cover as much ground as possible than by hiking the Queen’s Garden to Navajo Loop Trail. This hike will give you the chance to swerve your way through sheer rock tunnels, pine forests contrasted by red rocks, and finally, gawking at the views of the sandstone hoodoos that make Bryce Canyon the incredibly unique place it is!

If you’d rather explore from the comfort of your car, you can also drive the park’s scenic highway (Highway 12) to Rainbow Viewpoint and then make your way back slowly. This road cuts right through the park and offers visitors 13 different viewpoints of its main highlights!

National Park Entrance Fee: $35 per vehicle, valid for 7 days. A Bryce Canyon Annual Pass is $40 or use your America the Beautiful Annual Pass.

• Want to continue onward through Arizona? Capture not just Bryce Canyon and Zion but the majestic beauty of southern Utah’s “Mighty 5” including Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands, in this epic one-week Utah national parks itinerary.

Las Vegas (LAS) is one of the closest airports to Zion and Bryce Canyon, making it quite a convenient starting point for a Utah road trip.

You can see our detailed guide for making a complete day of the road trip Las Vegas to Zion NP here, as well as extending your trip with several stops between Bryce Canyon and Zion.

10. Antelope Canyon, Arizona

Distance from Las Vegas: 276 miles ~ via I-15 & US-89 (4 hours 30 minutes)

Millions of years ago, harsh floods rushed into cracks of sandstone in the desert and Antelope Canyon was formed.

Even though the entire Southwest is made up of fascinating slot canyons, what makes Antelope Canyon so unique is the fact that its walls are plastered by swirls of desert colors that pop to life when light hits them.

The only way to explore the canyon is by hiking through it. You will be taken from the car parking entrance to the canyon entrance by four-wheel drive. Upper Antelope Canyon is a pretty easy trail that can take around two hours, considering you’ll be making multiple stops to take in the striking scenery!

If you have time, you can also check out the much lesser-visited adjoining Lower Antelope Canyon. This canyon is just as gorgeous, but it’s made up for much thinner passages, which makes hiking through it a bit tougher for those who are after a challenge!

Top Tip: You can only enter with an authorized Navajo guide. Tours can book out weeks in advance, so you need to be organized & traveling with small children check they have enough infant seats that day.

Entrance Fees for Antelope Canyon: This depends on the type of tour you’ve booked but expect to pay $50-$90 per adult, children discounted. The tour should include your $8 Navajo permit fee.

Plotting Out Your Las Vegas Day Trips

Use this handy Google Map to plot out your route, or pop on over here to this complete Nevada itinerary if you’d like to see some more of the Silver State on a continuous road trip from Las Vegas to Reno.

• If you want to extend your trip through the southwest, check out our 7-day Southwest itinerary, or you can keep going beyond Bryce Canyon NP & Antelope Canyon using our Arizona & Utah itinerary.

• Taking your adventures even further, try this epic Las Vegas to Yellowstone itinerary, through Arizona and Utah to Wyoming and Montana.

We hope this list of the ten best day trips from Las Vegas helped you plan your next getaway from the city. Even though Vegas offers plenty to do, there’s nothing quite like exploring the mesmerizing nature that surrounds this gem of a city!

Final Tips on Visiting Las Vegas & the Southwest

• The day trip ideas here cover both State Parks and National Parks. State Park entry fees are $15 per day for non-Nevada residents). If you’ll be in Nevada for an extended period of time, it’s worth considering a Nevada annual permit. For National Park visitors, we’re sure you’ll need no convincing on the value you’ll get from an America the Beautiful annual pass.

• Think you can visit all 15 of Nevada’s State Parks? Pick up a Nevada Passport and take on the Passport Challenge to win yourself an annual pass.

• Watch your time zones! Nevada is on Pacific Standard Time (PST) then switches to Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) from mid-March to mid-November. California destinations are in the same time zone, but if you’ll be crossing to Utah or Arizona, you’ll be in Mountain Standard Time. Utah switches to Mountain Daylight Time, but Arizona DOES NOT change!

• Think carefully about the time of year you’re visiting. Summer in the desert can be brutally hot, and not all of these day trips may be possible, especially with kids and where a lot of outdoor activity is involved. Always set out with plenty of water and observe our desert driving tips in Nevada and the Southwest.

• You can check current road conditions in Nevada before you set out at nvroads.com

• Never forget a road trip essential again with our downloadable family road trip checklist.

© Family Road Trip 2026

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Planning a trip to the Centennial State? Perhaps you live here and want to get to know your backyard a little better. Regardless of the reason, putting together a Colorado bucket list is a pretty difficult feat because, well, there’s just too much beauty around!  

Some adventures tower high above the crowds, though, and while we advise anyone to create their own list based on their interests, these experiences are absolute non-negotiables when it comes to traveling Colorado, especially if you’re keen to start exploring the more popular sites. 

The Ultimate Colorado Bucket List 

1. Find Yourself in a Fairytale at Hanging Lake in Glenwood Canyon 

Hidden deep inside the walls of Glenwood Canyon, Hanging Lake is a place where you’ll get to feel as though you’re inside a fairytale. Due to its unique geological formation, beautiful vegetation covering the walls, and teal-shaded water cascading from the cliffs, a visit to this stunning lake will have you wondering if fairies aren’t about to pop out from under the rocks. 

2. See Three of the Most Gorgeous Alpine Lakes in the World (plus a secret fourth one) 

Probably one of Colorado’s most famous hikes, the Emerald Lake trail in Rocky Mountain National Park is an absolute must on your Colorado bucket list. Even though the trail is relatively short and easy, what makes this hike so famous is the fact that it follows three picturesque alpine lakes backdropped by the most idyllic mountain scenery. 

Tip: There’s a fourth lake further into Rocky Mountain in case you’re feeling keen to see even more alpine goodness in a more secluded setting. To get to Lake Hayaiha, you’ll need to hike an extra mile (plus another on the way back), but the views are worth every step of the way. 

3. Go in Search of Fall Foliage on the Trail Ridge Road 

Regarded as one of the most gorgeous drives in the United States, the Trail Ridge Road stretches from Estes Park to Rocky Mountain National Park and into Grand Lake.  

The Trail Ridge Road is as scenic as it gets at any time of the year, but capturing the fall colours of Colorado at its best makes it one of the most epic US driving experiences. (The road closes by the end of October, though, and won’t reopen until May!)

The road will take you above tree line all the way to over 12,000 feet above sea level, providing some of the most striking views of the Rockies down below, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful scenic drives in Colorado. 

Although the road is only 48 miles long, it will take you at least two to three hours to complete as you appreciate the stunning raw beauty of the Rockies.

4. Spend Christmas in Vail 

Vail is one of the country’s most sought-after Christmas destinations for all the right reasons.  

For one, this cozy alpine town is world-renowned for its world-class skiing ops, and while you can enjoy the nature around it any time of the year, Christmas makes the town feel especially enchanting. 

Aside from the charming buildings that will make you feel as though you’re exploring a village in the Austrian Alps, Vail is king when it comes to unwrapping the festive cheer. Think twinkling lights adorning every corner, Christmas Markets you can roam for hours on end, and a calendar filled with activities and festivals that will make you wish you could stay just a little longer. 

5. Hike Ice Lake Trail 

Think dreamy alpine lakes that look straight out of a painting and mountain scenery so good your jaw will drop right to the ground, all with a backdrop of snow-capped peaks keeping you company every step of the way. The Ice Lake Trail is touted as one of the most stunning hikes in Colorado, and once you’re there, you’ll see exactly why that is.  

Hiking Ice Lake isn’t exactly considered a walk in the park, but with so many views to gawk at along the way, you’ll have reasons galore to stop and catch your breath for a while.  

6. Conquer a Colorado Fourteener 

In case you’re new to mountaineering language, a fourteener is a name given to mountains that are over 14,000 feet high!  

Colorado, home to 58 fourteeners, offers a wide array of options for beautiful mountain views.

An even better way to see these peaks, though? From high up above! Summiting a fourteener in Colorado is definitely an experience that belongs on every outdoor lover’s bucket list. 

No Colorado 14er is easy to conquer, but some are considered lighter than others. If you’re not a super experienced hiker, Mt. Bierstadt, Mt. Sherman, Huron Peak, and Handiest Peak are all wonderful options to test your skills.

If you want to try a harder challenge, Capitol Peak or Maroon Peak are both guaranteed a true trial. 

7. See a Sea of Sand Dunes at Great Sand Dunes National Park 

Even though the first thing that comes to mind when we think of Colorado is the mountains, this gem of a state is home to a wide array of landscapes. In fact, it’s home to the tallest sand dunes in North America, with the highest one, Star Dune, towering at 755 feet. 

Another magical fact about this park? It’s listed as a Sky Dark Territory, meaning there is no light pollution anywhere nearby and making it a prime spot for stargazing (you may even get to see the Milky Way on a clear night!) 

8. Witness Nature’s Masterpiece at Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs

Step into a geological wonderland at Garden of the Gods, where vibrant red rock formations pierce the sky against the backdrop of majestic Pikes Peak. This free public park is a testament to the artistic power of nature, featuring towering sandstone spires, balancing rocks, and unique formations shaped over millions of years.

Explore the paved and unpaved trails, try your hand at rock climbing, or simply marvel at the contrast of red rocks against the Colorado blue sky. With its accessibility and jaw-dropping beauty, Garden of the Gods is a must-see that captures the essence of Colorado’s natural splendor.

9. Hike Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Prepare to be awestruck by the sheer vertical walls and dizzying depths of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. This hidden gem boasts some of North America’s steepest cliffs and oldest rock formations. The Gunnison River has carved this dramatic landscape over millions of years, creating a paradise for rock climbers, hikers, and photographers.

Whether peering over the rim at Sunset View, descending into the canyon on the Gunnison Route, or fishing in Gold Medal Waters, the Black Canyon offers a raw, untamed beauty that will leave you speechless.

Only experienced hikers with wilderness permits can enter the canyon itself, but there are several trails along the north and south rim that would suit intermediates.

10. Step Back in Time at Mesa Verde National Park

Journey back in time to Mesa Verde National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the Ancestral Puebloans. Explore the incredibly well-preserved cliff dwellings, including the famous Cliff Palace, which housed up to 100 people over 700 years ago.

As you wander through the intricate stone villages and peer into kivas, you’ll gain a profound appreciation for the ingenuity and resilience of these ancient people. Mesa Verde isn’t just a park; it’s a portal to a long-lost world, making it an essential stop for history buffs and culture enthusiasts alike.

11. Ride the Rails Back in Time on the Historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

Step back into the golden age of rail travel on the Historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, a journey that’s as much about the destination as it is about the ride. This coal-fired, steam-operated railroad has been in continuous operation since 1882, winding through the breathtaking canyons and remote wilderness of the San Juan National Forest.

As you chug along in a vintage coach, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of the Animas River and towering peaks, inaccessible by any other means. The 45-mile route between Durango and Silverton uniquely blends Colorado’s rich mining history and stunning natural beauty.

Whether you’re a train enthusiast, history buff, or nature lover, this iconic railroad adventure provides an unforgettable glimpse into Colorado’s past and present.

Have you ever done any of these bucket list activities in Colorado? Even though this list could be a whole lot longer, these 11 experiences are some of the best The Centennial State offers, so they’re a great way to get started exploring!  

© Family Road Trip 2026

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The Most Incredible National Parks Road Trip in America

Breathtaking hikes, expansive landscapes of red-rock formations, and unbeatable adventures in the desert are just a few of the aspects that make a road trip through Utah the insanely magical experience that it is and one of the best American road trips for nature-lovers.

If you’re currently in the planning stages of your road trip to Utah, chances are one of the things you’re most excited to do is to visit all its national parks. Luckily, they’re not too spread apart, so you can easily see them all in a short amount of time!

Starting in Salt Lake City and ending in the alluri